Pro-Moscow rebels expressed confidence eastern Ukraine had chosen self-rule in a referendum on Sunday, while differing on what that meant as fighting flared in a conflict that could pitch Russia and the West into a new Cold War.

The Federal Government will move to increase the fuel excise with inflation twice a year in this week's budget, the ABC understands.

Treasurer Joe Hockey is expected to announce on Tuesday night that the Government wants to increase the tax in line with inflation, raising around $340 million in the first year and an extra $1.5 billion a year by 2018.

The excise has been locked at 38.1 cents a litre since the Coalition dumped indexation in 2001.

In this update: In the NRL, the Bulldogs head to the top of the ladder after beating the Dragons; the Panthers move into the top eight after beating the Knights; and Roosters player Mitchell Pearce arrested and fined after an altercation with Police.

In this update: In the NRL, the Bulldogs head to the top of the ladder after beating the Dragons; the Panthers move into the top eight after beating the Knights; and Roosters player Mitchell Pearce arrested and fined after an altercation with Police.

Afghan election front-runner Abdullah Abdullah has received a major boost to his campaign with Zalmai Rassoul, a close ally of the current president, endorsing him after withdrawing from the race.

Dr Rassoul was seen as the favoured candidate of outgoing president Hamid Karzai, and his support for Dr Abdullah could be a decisive move in deal-making to choose Afghanistan's next leader as United States-led troops withdraw from the country.

Gerard Whateley explores the stories of five different women who all play the important role of 'mum' in an AFL player. Listen to the stories of Mrs Selwood, Mrs Carrazzo, Mrs Wines, Mrs Boak and Mrs Viney.